Greenwich Park welcomes 130 cherry trees

The Royal Parks charity is celebrating a spectacular addition to the landscape of Greenwich Park with the planting of 130 Prunus ‘Sekiyama’ cherry trees, thanks to the support of the Sakura Cherry Tree Project.

This cultivar, much celebrated in the Greenwich Park Cherry Avenue, that leads to the Rose Garden, is now seldom planted in the UK, and is set to transform Greenwich Park each spring with vibrant pink blooms. The trees have been planted as young saplings, to assist their establishment on the gravelly soils of the park.

Honouring the tradition of Greenwich as a celebrated blossom-viewing destination, the new trees have been planted along the hillside between the Grand Ascent and One Tree Hill, forming a naturalistic ‘valley of blossom’. For a two-week period each spring, visitors will be treated to a spectacle of colour, offering a peaceful retreat in addition to the park’s existing mature cherry trees near the Rose Garden.

The Sakura Cherry Tree Project symbolises the friendship between the UK and Japan, donating thousands of cherry trees nationwide since 2019.

The Royal Parks charity, which manages London’s eight historic parks, has partnered with the Sakura Cherry Tree Project to celebrate horticulture and heritage. Planting these trees boosts biodiversity and natural beauty while marking the cultural legacy that has connected UK and Japanese communities for over 150 years.

Matthew Pottage, Head of Horticulture and Landscape Strategy, The Royal Parks, says: 

"These beautiful cherry trees are more than a visual delight – they represent a bond between nations, a gift to our local communities, and a lasting legacy. We know after our long winters, people rejoice seeing colour and blossom, and this sea of pink will be an awe-inspiring hit of horticultural wonder.
"By planting these trees along the hillside, we’ve created a natural canvas, where, every spring, the landscape will transform into a vibrant sea of pink blossoms. We look forward to welcoming everyone to experience this new valley of blossom in Greenwich Park."

Keisaku Sandy Sano, Founder and Joint Chairman of the Sakura Cherry Tree Project Team, says: 

“The response we have had from all across the UK, from Guernsey in the south to the Orkneys in the north, from parks and schools across the UK has been amazing.  It is testament to the strong relationship between the two countries, and we hope the trees will be a lasting tribute to that.”

Takashi Tsukamoto, Joint Chairman of the Sakura Cherry Tree Project Team, says: 

“Many Japanese corporations have decided to, through the Japan-British Society, generously donate to this project to celebrate a long friendship between our two nations. I am deeply grateful for all the efforts and support given by people and corporations both in Japan and UK to this project.”